Kunjerab pass into Pakistan


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Asia » Pakistan » The Great Himalaya Mountain Range
September 15th 2014
Published: September 17th 2014
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The Kunjerab pass and border crossing was the most significant event of this mountainstrip, in terms of remoteness from UK, altitude risk, border complexities to get right, it all worked like clockwork.



China immigration was bit slow on edge of Kashgurgan town, wait on 3 buses loading at same time, so we could all depart together.

Alim our guide left immediately our passports were returned, we were pleased with his help.



So 80km and 1700m to climb, but had bit of altitude sickness from 3900m and up - bit headache, not good as a lot higher to go! Drink some water and pull finger out, felt at worst at top, better as soon as U descend. Altitude sickness was a surprise, had no problems at 4100m just day before, also had stayed high to acclimatise for at least 2 wks.



Pakistan side was just big run down a near perfect tarmack road. But must drive on left!! Not ideal, because so easy to get it wrong, then will back on right soon - more confusion. Immigration in Sust about 80km was straightforward. Pakistan requires a vehicle 'carnet de possage' - an
Road to PakistanRoad to PakistanRoad to Pakistan

Ride towards another distance mountain. Weather had improved, but would we run into Monsoons - causing floods on Pakistan side?
expensive temporary import license supplied by RAC, filled on entry & exit, completed in 20min. Dmitry's wascfraction of cost - returnable deposit of 4000$, with fee of 300$, vs my £4250, with refund of £2100 when return to UK.





Stopped for tea & kabab sticks in village with one fellow travelers, Yacoob, who exports gems to China. People in Pakistan are so friendly, speak English, just keep to chat or wave, real change in mood.


Additional photos below
Photos: 13, Displayed: 13


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New dwellingsNew dwellings
New dwellings

Typical village, a nice new house, often surrounded by old walls, too keep stock in?
Wakhan CorridoorWakhan Corridoor
Wakhan Corridoor

Valley to west, border to Afghanistan is closed, but it is in this region. Whole Wakhan corridor is gap between different cultures, to north & south, would take weeks to understand, probably need to learn a few languages first.
Last check point in ChinaLast check point in China
Last check point in China

Guard did shout, put camera away! This post at 4600m altitude, one of highest border crossings in the world.
Bikes at Pakistan borderBikes at Pakistan border
Bikes at Pakistan border

Grumpy Chinese guard told me to go NOW!, but was distracted by big Harley or Dmitry, my Russian friend.
Traditional truckTraditional truck
Traditional truck

I've arrived in Pakistan!
mile markermile marker
mile marker

All places we have to go, on run down to Islamabad the new capitol of Pakistan.
Looking back to ChinaLooking back to China
Looking back to China

A pleasure to visit, but pleased to move on, language is difficult, following a guide removes some of fun, bit hungry too.
Looking down into PakistanLooking down into Pakistan
Looking down into Pakistan

Some trepidation! Will I have security issues, or roads be very dangerous, every time I am told next country will be bad because .... We'll see.
kunjerab 4660mkunjerab 4660m
kunjerab 4660m

Sat nav image from border. Run down KKH road to Islamabad will be interesting. Past 5 of the 8 highest mountains in world.
Mountain LeopardMountain Leopard
Mountain Leopard

In a cage at check point, none too happy.
YaksYaks
Yaks

What is there to eat? High mountains have no pastures.


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